Rahma

♀ Girl

Pronounced RAH-mah /ˈrɑː.mə/High

Meaning: mercy, compassion, divine kindnessHigh

In 30 seconds: Rahma is an Arabic name meaning mercy and compassion, one of the 99 names of Allah in Islam. It is among the most spiritually significant names in Muslim tradition.

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Origin HighArabic

Meaningmercy, compassion, divine kindness

U.S. rank (2024)#2258 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births83 girls (0.01% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2016

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,450

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Rahma derives from the Arabic root r-h-m (رحم), meaning mercy and compassion. This root appears in the Quran's names for God: Al-Rahman (the Most Merciful) and Al-Rahim (the Most Compassionate). It is one of the most profound concepts in Islamic theology.

Rahma is widely used across Arab-speaking countries and Muslim communities in East Africa, particularly in Sudan, Somalia, and Ethiopia. Its deep Islamic significance and gentle sound make it a beloved name for girls.

Did you know? The opening verse of the Quran, Bismillah Al-Rahman Al-Rahim, uses two divine names derived from the same root as Rahma — making this root among the most frequently recited words by the world's 1.8 billion Muslims.

Overall data confidence 95%

Wehr, Arabic-English Dictionary — reference for RahmaBehind the Name: Rahma — name etymology referenceEncyclopedia of Islam: Rahma — reference for Rahma

Variations

RahimahRahmatRahmah

Nicknames

RahiMah

Famous Bearers

★Rahma Riad (1987–present)
Iraqi singer and actress and a judge on Iraq Idol; one of the most-streamed female Arab artists on YouTube.

If you like Rahma…

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Amina— Arabic name meaning trustworthy with similar sanctity

Aisha— beloved wife of the Prophet, popular Islamic name

Rima— short Arabic feminine name with similar sound

Frequently Asked

What does Rahma mean?

Rahma means mercy and compassion in Arabic, from the same root as the divine Quranic names Al-Rahman and Al-Rahim.

How do you pronounce Rahma?

Rahma is pronounced RAH-mah (/ˈrɑː.mə/), with two syllables.

Is Rahma a girl's name?

Yes, Rahma is a feminine name widely used across Arabic-speaking and Muslim communities.

How popular is the name Rahma?

Rahma is popular in Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, and across the Arab world, and is growing in Muslim diaspora communities.